First drone deployment of FEST® battery tech could double flight range and support growing U.S. demand for secure supply chain
Factorial Enters Drone Sector with First Solid-State Battery Shipment
Factorial Energy, a U.S.-based leader in solid-state battery technology, has announced its first shipment of FEST® lithium-metal battery cells for drone use. The recipient is Avidrone Aerospace, a Canadian company that designs long-range autonomous aircraft for commercial and defense missions.
This marks Factorial’s official entry into the drone market and the first time its solid-state technology will be deployed in an aerial platform.
New Power for Demanding Missions
Avidrone plans to integrate the batteries into its high-endurance cargo drones. These aircraft are used for tasks like delivery, surveillance, and emergency response. Testing will take place under real-world conditions, including high altitudes and varying temperatures.
Early modeling suggests that the new batteries could double the range of Avidrone’s aircraft without changing the payload. This would offer major advantages in both commercial and military applications.
“In unmanned systems, weight equals range – and range defines the mission,” said Scott Gray, Founder and CEO of Avidrone Aerospace. “Factorial’s solid-state cells give us a critical edge in endurance and payload, unlocking new capabilities for defense, logistics, and beyond. We’re proud to be the first to take this groundbreaking technology airborne.”
Aerospace Expansion Meets National Security Needs
Factorial’s FEST® batteries were originally validated for use in electric vehicles by companies like Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz. With their U.S.-built platform, the company is now expanding into aerospace and defense. The move comes at a critical moment.
As tensions rise between the U.S. and China, many drone makers face battery shortages and uncertain supply chains. Most drone batteries today are produced in China, creating risk for commercial operators and government buyers alike.
Factorial’s shift into drone power meets a growing demand for domestically developed battery technology.
“This delivery is a major step forward in bringing our battery platform to the skies,” said Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial. “Avidrone’s specialized platform is the perfect testbed to prove how our high-energy, lightweight lithium-metal technology can unlock new levels of range and performance in aerial systems. Drones are not just an emerging market – they’re a strategic priority for national defense, critical logistics, and infrastructure resilience.”
Strong Market Growth Fuels Opportunity
The global unmanned aerial systems (UAS) market is expected to grow by $36.1 billion from 2024 to 2028. Military applications alone may reach $65 billion by 2032. Drones are now used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and commercial delivery operations.
Factorial’s batteries achieve up to 50% more energy density than standard lithium-ion cells. This leads to longer flights and heavier payloads, both essential for next-generation drones.
A Strategic Pivot for a Changing Industry
While Factorial remains committed to electric vehicles, the aerial sector offers new opportunities. Working with drone companies allows Factorial to test new technologies in real-world missions and gain performance data faster. This feedback can improve both their drone and EV battery platforms.
At the same time, Factorial’s U.S.-based manufacturing supports national defense efforts to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
As global tensions continue to affect access to key drone components, Factorial’s move into the drone sector is a hopeful sign. It shows how the market is beginning to adjust to meet new demands—offering secure, high-performance options for an industry under pressure to innovate.
Read more:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.
